WeTip is an anonymous crime reporting resource for citizens and a tool to aid law enforcement nationwide.

“These awards are to those individuals who have shown extraordinary efforts and outstanding service in the field of crime prevention and WeTip service," said Chief Executive Officer of WeTip Inc., Susan Aguilar.

The Hollister Police Department has been partnered with WeTip since 2008 to make anonymous tip hotlines available. In that same year, the police department was given a special recognition by WeTip for being the first police department to fund the membership for the entire San Benito County.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition. The complete credit should go to the police officers and staff at our police department, city employees, city management, mayor, City Council and our very supportive community. We are a team with the common goal to make Hollister the best and safest place to live in California," Westrick said.

On April 11, WeTip will hold its 41st Annual National Conference in Ontario, Calif. Chief Westrick will receive the 2014 Police Chief of the Year award at the conference. For more information on WeTip, go to their website at www.wetip.com.

Westrick also made headlines this winter when he adopted a pony that was found abandoned in Hollister. The police chief gave the pony to his 11-year-old daughter, Hailee, for Christmas.